Fullerton is recovering from a largely negative bout in the public limelight. A high-profile prosecution for police brutality cast shame on city governance, prompting a recall of three council members and engaging the city in questions of oversight for law enforcement.

The resulting scrutiny bore fruit: Fullerton became a pioneer in using police body cameras and is pondering a civilian review board. Yet, residents are now facing another important election, one that will no doubt greatly influence how the city engages a whole range of issues: Homelessness, infrastructure, pensions, development and more.

To continue the city on its positive path, the Register recommends the mayor pro tem, Greg Sebourn, and challenger Sean Paden for City Council.

Mr. Paden impressed with his dedication to transparency and accountability. He supported, for example, a full and effective Civic Openness in Negotiation ordinance, similar to those that have made their way into discussions of multiple cities in Orange County. He also stood in favor of a civilian oversight committee that would put an additional watchdog over police activity.

We were also impressed by Mr. Paden’s fiscal discipline and willingness to run a tight ship. He supports pension reforms, specifically a transition for city employees to defined-contribution plans that more closely parallel the retirement systems for many private-sector workers.

Mr. Paden also made known his support for Measure W, the rejected 2012 ballot measure that would have allowed for reasonable development on the Coyote Hills site. He is joined in this by Mr. Sebourn.

We found Mayor Pro Tem Sebourn’s strong record able to speak for itself. In addition to supporting smart development, Mr. Sebourn has demonstrated fiscal discipline since taking office in 2012, voting consistently against salary and rate hikes.

He has blown the whistle on the city’s transferring a portion of water rate fees to the general fund, voted in favor of a COIN ordinance with teeth and advocated for long-term pension reforms.

Mr. Sebourn has also spoken up in favor of smarter investment, citing unjustified influence of police and fire budgets that take priority over infrastructure improvements for streets, sidewalks and facility repair. These things are part of a core duty that local representatives have to their voters.